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Florence: five dead in storm as flooding and surges continue – live updates Florence: five dead in storm as flooding and surges continue – live updates
(35 minutes later)
In future disasters, US citizens may receive messages on their phones directly from Donald Trump, as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (Fema) begins its testing of a system that allows the president to send a message to most US mobile phones.
Next Thursday, Fema will conduct its first nationwide test of the Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA), a system allowing a text message to be sent to mobile phones with warnings about dangerous weather, missing children or other critical situations.
“[This] is a national public warning system that provides the President with the communications capability to address the nation during a national emergency,” FEMA said in a statement.
During the test, people will receive a text with a header that reads “Presidential Alert” and text that says: “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.”
More than 100 mobile carriers, including all the major wireless firms, are participating in the roll-out.
Of course, those people who follow President Trump on Twitter already get messages from the president straight to their phones, but unlike with Twitter, people are unable to opt out of receiving these alerts.
The WEA system was approved by Congress in 2015. Legislation surrounding the law warns that the “system shall not be used to transmit a message that does not relate to a natural disaster, act of terrorism, or other man-made disaster or threat to public safety.”
It is unclear how much personal input the president will have in the crafting of the alerts and whether they will be written in his characteristic style.
Residents of western North Carolina have been warned they could see flooding and landslides from Saturday night through to Monday, as rain continues as a result of the storm.Residents of western North Carolina have been warned they could see flooding and landslides from Saturday night through to Monday, as rain continues as a result of the storm.
A 72-hour rainfall forecast for the state from 8pm Friday through to 8pm Monday, shows heavy rainfall and strong winds that could have “life-threatening impacts”.A 72-hour rainfall forecast for the state from 8pm Friday through to 8pm Monday, shows heavy rainfall and strong winds that could have “life-threatening impacts”.
Emergency Management North Carolina say these conditions will slowly improve, though did not say whether the improvement would begin without that 72-hour period, or after its conclusion.Emergency Management North Carolina say these conditions will slowly improve, though did not say whether the improvement would begin without that 72-hour period, or after its conclusion.
Be #ReadyNC when it comes to #HurricaneFlorence! Threat of catastrophic flooding continues, w/heavy rain spreading westward thru weekend. WNC could see flooding, potential landslides Sat night-Monday. Life-threatening impacts from storm surge, gusty winds will slowly improve pic.twitter.com/cMcMmuqOj3Be #ReadyNC when it comes to #HurricaneFlorence! Threat of catastrophic flooding continues, w/heavy rain spreading westward thru weekend. WNC could see flooding, potential landslides Sat night-Monday. Life-threatening impacts from storm surge, gusty winds will slowly improve pic.twitter.com/cMcMmuqOj3
There are now more than 773,000 reported cases of power outages across North Carolina, according to the North Carolina department of public safety. The highest concentration of which are New Hanover, Brunswick, Wake, Onslow, Carteret, Pender, Robeson, and Wayne countiesThere are now more than 773,000 reported cases of power outages across North Carolina, according to the North Carolina department of public safety. The highest concentration of which are New Hanover, Brunswick, Wake, Onslow, Carteret, Pender, Robeson, and Wayne counties
The department of safety also have a great interactive map showing where evacuation orders are in place in different counties and a list of shelters.The department of safety also have a great interactive map showing where evacuation orders are in place in different counties and a list of shelters.
Current evacuation orders in place in North Carolina. @NCPublicSafety Interactive map here: https://t.co/vKykdfWhm5 pic.twitter.com/sATcdKpWAdCurrent evacuation orders in place in North Carolina. @NCPublicSafety Interactive map here: https://t.co/vKykdfWhm5 pic.twitter.com/sATcdKpWAd
The National Weather Service have issued an update on the storm. The storm is moving slowly west-southwest over the east of South Carolina and storm surges, wind and rain were expected to continue overnight.The National Weather Service have issued an update on the storm. The storm is moving slowly west-southwest over the east of South Carolina and storm surges, wind and rain were expected to continue overnight.
As of 11pm local time (about half an hour ago) the storm was about 15 miles (20km) west-northwest of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and about 45 miles (70km) south-east of Florence, South Carolina.As of 11pm local time (about half an hour ago) the storm was about 15 miles (20km) west-northwest of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and about 45 miles (70km) south-east of Florence, South Carolina.
Florence had maximum sustained winds of 65mph (100 km/h) and was moving west-southwest at a rate of 5 mph (7km/h).Florence had maximum sustained winds of 65mph (100 km/h) and was moving west-southwest at a rate of 5 mph (7km/h).
The advisory notice said “life-threatening storm surges and strong winds” were set to continue overnight and “catastrophic freshwater flooding” was expected over portions of North and South Carolina.The advisory notice said “life-threatening storm surges and strong winds” were set to continue overnight and “catastrophic freshwater flooding” was expected over portions of North and South Carolina.
Nasa have published this extraordinary video of the landfall of Hurricane Florence, as seen from the International Space Station.Nasa have published this extraordinary video of the landfall of Hurricane Florence, as seen from the International Space Station.
Various agencies are tweeting safety warnings and advice, which we’ve collated here. The list is by no means exhaustive so feel free to tweet me if you see more, but they include:Various agencies are tweeting safety warnings and advice, which we’ve collated here. The list is by no means exhaustive so feel free to tweet me if you see more, but they include:
In the case of flash flooding: get to higher ground and don’t drive into the waterIn the case of flash flooding: get to higher ground and don’t drive into the water
Stay indoors, don’t venture out during the stormStay indoors, don’t venture out during the storm
Don’t drive or walk through stagnant or moving floodwatersDon’t drive or walk through stagnant or moving floodwaters
Don’t operate gas-powered generators or charcoal grills near your homeDon’t operate gas-powered generators or charcoal grills near your home
Don’t use drones until emergency operations have ceasedDon’t use drones until emergency operations have ceased
Stay away from downed power linesStay away from downed power lines
Stay away from sparking power lines and if you see them, call 911 and report themStay away from sparking power lines and if you see them, call 911 and report them
Don’t connect your generator directly to your home’s wiring or plug it into a regular household socket or outlet, instead use a power inlet box and transfer switch to connect to your home wiring or use extension cords to connect electrical devices such as a fridge to your generatorDon’t connect your generator directly to your home’s wiring or plug it into a regular household socket or outlet, instead use a power inlet box and transfer switch to connect to your home wiring or use extension cords to connect electrical devices such as a fridge to your generator
Have multiple ways to get warnings of dangerous or changing conditions, including the internet, radio and TVHave multiple ways to get warnings of dangerous or changing conditions, including the internet, radio and TV
If you have a private well, do not turn on electricity to the pump until flood waters recede. If extensive flooding has occurred, don’t drink the water, use bottled water until your well water can be tested.If you have a private well, do not turn on electricity to the pump until flood waters recede. If extensive flooding has occurred, don’t drink the water, use bottled water until your well water can be tested.
Flash flooding is expected from #Florence throughout the Carolinas and southwest Virginia through early next week. Water levels and the rate at which the water is flowing can quickly change. Get to higher ground. Do not drive or walk into water. pic.twitter.com/YV9pvzQDQDFlash flooding is expected from #Florence throughout the Carolinas and southwest Virginia through early next week. Water levels and the rate at which the water is flowing can quickly change. Get to higher ground. Do not drive or walk into water. pic.twitter.com/YV9pvzQDQD
Important #Florence safety tips courtesy of @NCEmergency and @FEMA:✅STAY INDOORS. Do not venture out during the storm.✅Do NOT drive or walk through stagnant or moving floodwaters. ✅Do NOT operate gas powered generators or charcoal grills in or near your home.#ncwx #scwx pic.twitter.com/fi6aVVp4P7Important #Florence safety tips courtesy of @NCEmergency and @FEMA:✅STAY INDOORS. Do not venture out during the storm.✅Do NOT drive or walk through stagnant or moving floodwaters. ✅Do NOT operate gas powered generators or charcoal grills in or near your home.#ncwx #scwx pic.twitter.com/fi6aVVp4P7
Donald Trump has doubled down on his claim that 3,000 people did not die in Puerto Rico from Hurricane Maria.Donald Trump has doubled down on his claim that 3,000 people did not die in Puerto Rico from Hurricane Maria.
Trump is on Twitter complaining about claims that the death toll exceeded 3,000 people in Puerto Rico. On Thursday he said that number had been made up by the Democratic party “to make me look as bad as possible”. Here’s what he’s been tweeting tonight:Trump is on Twitter complaining about claims that the death toll exceeded 3,000 people in Puerto Rico. On Thursday he said that number had been made up by the Democratic party “to make me look as bad as possible”. Here’s what he’s been tweeting tonight:
“When Trump visited the island territory last October, OFFICIALS told him in a briefing 16 PEOPLE had died from Maria.” The Washington Post. This was long AFTER the hurricane took place. Over many months it went to 64 PEOPLE. Then, like magic, “3000 PEOPLE KILLED.” They hired....“When Trump visited the island territory last October, OFFICIALS told him in a briefing 16 PEOPLE had died from Maria.” The Washington Post. This was long AFTER the hurricane took place. Over many months it went to 64 PEOPLE. Then, like magic, “3000 PEOPLE KILLED.” They hired....
....GWU Research to tell them how many people had died in Puerto Rico (how would they not know this?). This method was never done with previous hurricanes because other jurisdictions know how many people were killed. FIFTY TIMES LAST ORIGINAL NUMBER - NO WAY!....GWU Research to tell them how many people had died in Puerto Rico (how would they not know this?). This method was never done with previous hurricanes because other jurisdictions know how many people were killed. FIFTY TIMES LAST ORIGINAL NUMBER - NO WAY!
This issue is clearly exercising the president, who also tweeted about it earlier in the evening, including quoting Fox News presenter Lou Dobbs calling the government of Puerto Rico “one of the most corrupt governments in our country”.This issue is clearly exercising the president, who also tweeted about it earlier in the evening, including quoting Fox News presenter Lou Dobbs calling the government of Puerto Rico “one of the most corrupt governments in our country”.
“The story of Puerto Rico is the rebuilding that has occurred. The President has done an extraordinary job of cleanup, rebuilding electrical stuff and everything else.” @EdRollins “The people of Puerto Rico have one of the most corrupt governments in our country.” @LouDobbs“The story of Puerto Rico is the rebuilding that has occurred. The President has done an extraordinary job of cleanup, rebuilding electrical stuff and everything else.” @EdRollins “The people of Puerto Rico have one of the most corrupt governments in our country.” @LouDobbs
This row kicked off earlier in the week, when Trump called the federal response last year in Puerto Rico an “incredible, unsung success” in comments from the White House on Tuesday.This row kicked off earlier in the week, when Trump called the federal response last year in Puerto Rico an “incredible, unsung success” in comments from the White House on Tuesday.
His remarks sparked outrage, including from Senate minority leader Charles Schumer, who called Trump’s comment “offensive, hurtful and blatantly false” and Carmen Yulín Cruz, the mayor of San Juan who told CNN the comments were: “a stain on his presidency. He says he’s done a good job when 3,000 people have died?”His remarks sparked outrage, including from Senate minority leader Charles Schumer, who called Trump’s comment “offensive, hurtful and blatantly false” and Carmen Yulín Cruz, the mayor of San Juan who told CNN the comments were: “a stain on his presidency. He says he’s done a good job when 3,000 people have died?”
There’s more on that story here:There’s more on that story here:
The Wall Street Journal is reporting that as Hurricane Florence was bearing down on North and South Carolina, the Trump administration was considering replacing the head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.The Wall Street Journal is reporting that as Hurricane Florence was bearing down on North and South Carolina, the Trump administration was considering replacing the head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
The WSJ says FEMA administrator Brock Long is the subject of an internal investigation after allegations he misused resources traveling to his home in North Carolina and that the White House had been discussing potential replacements.The WSJ says FEMA administrator Brock Long is the subject of an internal investigation after allegations he misused resources traveling to his home in North Carolina and that the White House had been discussing potential replacements.
Donald Trump has repeatedly praised FEMA for their response to Florence, including just a few minutes ago when he tweeted: “America is proud of you. Keep it all going – finish strong!”Donald Trump has repeatedly praised FEMA for their response to Florence, including just a few minutes ago when he tweeted: “America is proud of you. Keep it all going – finish strong!”
Great job FEMA, First Responders and Law Enforcement - not easy, very dangerous, tremendous talent. America is proud of you. Keep it all going - finish strong!Great job FEMA, First Responders and Law Enforcement - not easy, very dangerous, tremendous talent. America is proud of you. Keep it all going - finish strong!
Some people are sharing photographs highlighting the incongruity between the beauty that exists (and indeed, is caused) by Florence in areas on the edges of the storm’s path and the devastation it is wreaking on towns that are feeling the full force of the storm.Some people are sharing photographs highlighting the incongruity between the beauty that exists (and indeed, is caused) by Florence in areas on the edges of the storm’s path and the devastation it is wreaking on towns that are feeling the full force of the storm.
Lauren Visin, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service calls the the storm a “monster” but says in her area, where she says Florence is due to hit tomorrow, it has been preceded in her area by striking cloud formations.Lauren Visin, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service calls the the storm a “monster” but says in her area, where she says Florence is due to hit tomorrow, it has been preceded in her area by striking cloud formations.
#Florence is a monster, but these cirrus moving through before her arrival tomorrow are breathtaking. pic.twitter.com/XIbZMaOmRv#Florence is a monster, but these cirrus moving through before her arrival tomorrow are breathtaking. pic.twitter.com/XIbZMaOmRv
Jeff Dauler, a radio presenter in Atlanta Georgia, is in upstate South Carolina and comments that it is “remarkable how terrible storms are surrounded by such beauty”.Jeff Dauler, a radio presenter in Atlanta Georgia, is in upstate South Carolina and comments that it is “remarkable how terrible storms are surrounded by such beauty”.
Upstate SC right now. It’s remarkable how terrible storms are surrounded by such beauty. cc: @BradNitzWSB pic.twitter.com/Fl2OTl27DgUpstate SC right now. It’s remarkable how terrible storms are surrounded by such beauty. cc: @BradNitzWSB pic.twitter.com/Fl2OTl27Dg
Can we still call it ‘Hurricane Florence’?Can we still call it ‘Hurricane Florence’?
A question we have been discussing in the newsroom, which comes up frequently in reporting natural disasters like this one, is: can you still call Hurricane Florence, “Hurricane Florence” when it has been downgraded to a tropical storm?A question we have been discussing in the newsroom, which comes up frequently in reporting natural disasters like this one, is: can you still call Hurricane Florence, “Hurricane Florence” when it has been downgraded to a tropical storm?
Let me know what you think on Twitter, but our current thinking for this blog is:Let me know what you think on Twitter, but our current thinking for this blog is:
We will refer to the aftermath of Hurricane FlorenceWe will refer to the aftermath of Hurricane Florence
Past articles about Florence when it was still a hurricane will still refer to Florence as “Hurricane Florence”Past articles about Florence when it was still a hurricane will still refer to Florence as “Hurricane Florence”
But for any new developments we will refer to it as a tropical storm or “tropical storm Florence”, or just plain “Florence”; it is even acceptable to call Florence an ex-hurricaneBut for any new developments we will refer to it as a tropical storm or “tropical storm Florence”, or just plain “Florence”; it is even acceptable to call Florence an ex-hurricane
This is Kate Lyons, back with you again. I’m taking over the blog from Sam Levin as we continue our rolling coverage of Florence.This is Kate Lyons, back with you again. I’m taking over the blog from Sam Levin as we continue our rolling coverage of Florence.
If you have any news tips or questions you’d like us to address on the live blog, get in touch, I can be reached via kate.lyons@theguardian.com and on Twitter @mskatelyonsIf you have any news tips or questions you’d like us to address on the live blog, get in touch, I can be reached via kate.lyons@theguardian.com and on Twitter @mskatelyons
The National Weather Service Eastern Region have shared rainfall reports for towns across New Carolina (and a few in South Carolina), they warn that rain is continuing to fall heavily across the two states and these totals may be much higher by morning.The National Weather Service Eastern Region have shared rainfall reports for towns across New Carolina (and a few in South Carolina), they warn that rain is continuing to fall heavily across the two states and these totals may be much higher by morning.
Some Hurricane Florence rainfall reports received as of 8:30 pm Friday evening. It continues to rain very heavily over parts of North and South Carolina, so some of these rainfall totals may increase considerably this evening and overnight. pic.twitter.com/NTupNTbyIgSome Hurricane Florence rainfall reports received as of 8:30 pm Friday evening. It continues to rain very heavily over parts of North and South Carolina, so some of these rainfall totals may increase considerably this evening and overnight. pic.twitter.com/NTupNTbyIg
Florence was downgraded to a tropical storm on Friday night, but there were still sustained winds of 70mph.Florence was downgraded to a tropical storm on Friday night, but there were still sustained winds of 70mph.
Officials have warned that up to 50in of rain could lead to catastrophic flooding into next week.Officials have warned that up to 50in of rain could lead to catastrophic flooding into next week.
The center of the storm crossed into South Carolina on Friday and was heading for Myrtle Beach, a coastal city.The center of the storm crossed into South Carolina on Friday and was heading for Myrtle Beach, a coastal city.
There were more than 680,000 power outages reported in North Carolina as of Friday evening.There were more than 680,000 power outages reported in North Carolina as of Friday evening.
Water teams have rescued hundreds stranded in the city of New Bern, but were struggling to reach more than 100 people impacted by the flooding.Water teams have rescued hundreds stranded in the city of New Bern, but were struggling to reach more than 100 people impacted by the flooding.
Authorities have linked at least five deaths to Florence, including a mother and infant killed when a tree collapsed on their house, a woman who died of a heart attack and a man who was electrocuted.Authorities have linked at least five deaths to Florence, including a mother and infant killed when a tree collapsed on their house, a woman who died of a heart attack and a man who was electrocuted.
In Jacksonville, more than 60 people staying in a motel were forced to evacuate as the building collapsed.In Jacksonville, more than 60 people staying in a motel were forced to evacuate as the building collapsed.
White House officials said Donald Trump would be visiting areas affected by Florence sometime next week.White House officials said Donald Trump would be visiting areas affected by Florence sometime next week.
In some low-income housing communities, residents reported being unable to evacuate due to financial burdens.In some low-income housing communities, residents reported being unable to evacuate due to financial burdens.
A few scenes from a hotel in Wilmington where Guardian reporter Khushbu Shah is spending time with evacuees:A few scenes from a hotel in Wilmington where Guardian reporter Khushbu Shah is spending time with evacuees:
Christian, 10, is celebrating his 10th birthday at a hotel without power as he waits out the storm with sisters Adilyn, 7 and a half and Nevaeh, 6. Everyone in the lobby sang happy birthday to him in Wilmington #FlorenceHurricane2018 pic.twitter.com/91fO7ZmdjIChristian, 10, is celebrating his 10th birthday at a hotel without power as he waits out the storm with sisters Adilyn, 7 and a half and Nevaeh, 6. Everyone in the lobby sang happy birthday to him in Wilmington #FlorenceHurricane2018 pic.twitter.com/91fO7ZmdjI
An older woman in a wheelchair who evacuated her home didn’t bring any food with her to the hotel. She asked the hotel for food but they’ve run out and only had a banana. Someone overheard and went up to grab a plateful of food for her from their room. #FlorenceHurricane2018An older woman in a wheelchair who evacuated her home didn’t bring any food with her to the hotel. She asked the hotel for food but they’ve run out and only had a banana. Someone overheard and went up to grab a plateful of food for her from their room. #FlorenceHurricane2018
Didn’t have to go far at all to see destruction. An entire tree was uprooted by the hurricane and underneath it is part of the hotel roof. #FlorenceHurricane2018 pic.twitter.com/VgoMAxiJ2yDidn’t have to go far at all to see destruction. An entire tree was uprooted by the hurricane and underneath it is part of the hotel roof. #FlorenceHurricane2018 pic.twitter.com/VgoMAxiJ2y
Authorities have confirmed five deaths linked to Florence so far:Authorities have confirmed five deaths linked to Florence so far:
A mother and her infant were killed when a tree fell on their house in Wilmington.A mother and her infant were killed when a tree fell on their house in Wilmington.
In Kinston, a 78-year-old man was electrocuted, and a 77-year-old man was discovered dead after he went outside to check on his dogs, authorities said.In Kinston, a 78-year-old man was electrocuted, and a 77-year-old man was discovered dead after he went outside to check on his dogs, authorities said.
A woman died of an apparent heart attack in Pender county, where EMS and emergency personnel struggled to respond due to dangerous conditions.A woman died of an apparent heart attack in Pender county, where EMS and emergency personnel struggled to respond due to dangerous conditions.
I’ve confirmed 5 fatalities with officials in NC state: 2 in New Hanover County, 2 in Lenoir County, and 1 in Pender County. #FlorenceHurricane2018I’ve confirmed 5 fatalities with officials in NC state: 2 in New Hanover County, 2 in Lenoir County, and 1 in Pender County. #FlorenceHurricane2018
Climate scientist Michael Mann has published a comment piece in the Guardian about the “climate change triple threat” posed by Florence:Climate scientist Michael Mann has published a comment piece in the Guardian about the “climate change triple threat” posed by Florence:
An early autumn ocean “heat wave” has brought sea surface temperatures in the western Atlantic to bathtub-level warmth. Just as summer heat waves on land are greatly increased in frequency and intensity by even modest overall warming, so too are these ocean heat waves becoming more frequent and more extreme as the oceans continue warm. All else being equal, warmer oceans mean more energy to intensify tropical storms and hurricanes.An early autumn ocean “heat wave” has brought sea surface temperatures in the western Atlantic to bathtub-level warmth. Just as summer heat waves on land are greatly increased in frequency and intensity by even modest overall warming, so too are these ocean heat waves becoming more frequent and more extreme as the oceans continue warm. All else being equal, warmer oceans mean more energy to intensify tropical storms and hurricanes.
But when it comes to coastal threat, it hardly matters how many tropical storms there are over the course of the season. A single landfalling hurricane can wreak havoc and destruction. Think Katrina in 2005, Irene in 2011, Sandy in 2012, either Harvey or Maria in 2017 and now Florence in 2018.But when it comes to coastal threat, it hardly matters how many tropical storms there are over the course of the season. A single landfalling hurricane can wreak havoc and destruction. Think Katrina in 2005, Irene in 2011, Sandy in 2012, either Harvey or Maria in 2017 and now Florence in 2018.
In this sense, the sometimes fractious debate about whether we’ll see more or fewer storms in a warmer world is somewhat misplaced. What matters is that there is a consensus we’ll see stronger and worse flood-producing storms – and, in fact, we’re seeing them already. That brings us to Hurricane Florence: a climatologically-amplified triple threat.In this sense, the sometimes fractious debate about whether we’ll see more or fewer storms in a warmer world is somewhat misplaced. What matters is that there is a consensus we’ll see stronger and worse flood-producing storms – and, in fact, we’re seeing them already. That brings us to Hurricane Florence: a climatologically-amplified triple threat.
More here:More here:
There is a new flash flood emergency warning for Goldsboro, Smithfield, Selma, Princeton and other municipalities in North Carolina. Avoid walking or driving through flood waters.There is a new flash flood emergency warning for Goldsboro, Smithfield, Selma, Princeton and other municipalities in North Carolina. Avoid walking or driving through flood waters.
The flash flood threat is just beginning in some areas. As #Florence moves slowly, double-digit rain totals will become more widespread. Avoid flooded areas, especially roadways. #TurnAroundDontDrown https://t.co/dCubnd9CVaThe flash flood threat is just beginning in some areas. As #Florence moves slowly, double-digit rain totals will become more widespread. Avoid flooded areas, especially roadways. #TurnAroundDontDrown https://t.co/dCubnd9CVa
Flash Flood Warning including Goldsboro NC, Smithfield NC, Selma NC until 10:00 PM EDT pic.twitter.com/QZkEwkJXsGFlash Flood Warning including Goldsboro NC, Smithfield NC, Selma NC until 10:00 PM EDT pic.twitter.com/QZkEwkJXsG